A Season of Excellence
Rowen Barnes, a graduate student on the UC Davis baseball roster, was selected to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All‑America First Team for NCAA Division I, a distinction that underscores both his on‑field dominance and his scholarly achievement.
During the 2026 campaign he served as the Aggies’ closer, recording a 0.80 earned‑run average, 12 saves and a 2‑0 record across 27 appearances. His 12 saves placed him third nationally and tied for the Big West lead, while his 3.55 cumulative grade‑point average reflected the rigorous academic standards he maintains.
Teammate Mason Lerma also earned CSC Academic All‑District honors, posting a 2.96 ERA over 26 relief outings and carrying a cumulative GPA above 3.50 as a Human Development major. Both pitchers exemplify the program’s blend of athletic competitiveness and academic excellence.
To qualify for CSC Academic All‑District and Academic All‑America recognition, student‑athletes must have completed at least two academic years, be classified as sophomores or higher both academically and athletically, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. The CSC Academic All‑America program, originally founded as CoSIDA in 1952, continues to honor the nation’s top scholar‑athletes.
Campus Impact
The accolades extend beyond individual statistics; they signal a growing reputation for the Aggies within the Big West Conference and national collegiate circles. As the team looks ahead to future seasons, the blend of elite pitching talent and high‑scholastic standards promises continued success both in games and in the community.
Fans and alumni alike celebrate these achievements, seeing in Barnes and Lerma role models who demonstrate that excellence in sport and scholarship can coexist. Their stories inspire current students to pursue ambitious goals on multiple fronts.